Pilots Of A Gyroplane And A Trike Take A Long Cross-Country

By Dave Juwel

Do you remember when the gyroplanes years ago would never leave the traffic pattern? The more adventuresome pilots might even fly as far as 2.5 miles away and back. Things have dramatically changed in the gyroplane world in since then. It is now common for some gyroplanes to make cross country flights of several hundred miles.

But a group of pilots decided to expand the adventure envelope. They set out from Tampa, Florida, with a 2-place gyroplane, a 2-place trike, and a chase Prius (yep you read it right - a Prius used as a chase car).

The trike flew most of the route at 1500', the gyroplane at 500'. While they stayed with each other in the air, the chase car rarely saw them because of the greater road distances. He communicated with them by radio and cellphone. The gyroplane flew 1435 miles, while the chase car drove 2200 miles, both going to the same places. In a car you have to go up hill, down hill, around curves, and take roads that get to where you're going in a round-about way;  all of which adds distance.

Along the way they encountered storms containing hail and tornadoes, so they had to stay on the ground longer than they wished at some stops. They stopped in GA, SC, NC, TN, KY, IN, IL & finally WI. These were all fuel stops where they also gave rides. They recall at one bar (oops - restaurant) where they invited a waitress for a ride. They had so much fun that pretty soon every employee in the establishment wanted a ride. The gyroplane pilot says he pretty much flew between the corn, broccoli and cotton, because he gets a nosebleed if he flies too high. 

Interesting to everyone was the beauty of flying over places like the Eastern Continental Divide, and the different accents they encountered from state-to-state. And the greatest part of this air adventure, they get to do it again on the way home.

(Images from Siverlight Aviation)

FMI: www.silverlightaviation.com